Saving energy in vacuum technology

With its integrated air-saving function, the Ovem vacuum generator from Festo is an energy-efficient solution. The Ovem vacuum generators are available with four venturi nozzle sizes for a wide performance spectrum and offer metric and inch connection types for added convenience to users. A vacuum sensor adds diagnostic preventive maintenance features to the vacuum system and therefore greatly reduces the risk of machine downtime.

Continuous status monitoring of the entire vacuum system is made possible with an integral sensor and also visible by an LCD with additional bar graphs. If a leak develops, either gradually or abruptly, or in the event that vacuum evacuation time becomes longer, the situation is detected automatically by the vacuum generator. This is how the vacuum generator facilitates preventive maintenance and enables users to prevent potential machine downtime.

The vacuum generator provides this added level of reliability by continuously measuring vacuum and comparing it to a user specified reference value. The user sets threshold values by means of a teach-in procedure in order to ensure that specified vacuum evacuation times and system cycle times are not exceeded. Cycle time is the characteristic value of overriding importance, determining the speed at which handling operations are executed and thus regulating system productivity.

The vacuum generator and the ejector pulse are controlled by two integrated solenoid valves. Short distances and the resultant short cycle times ensure quick and reliable placing of the work piece. The ejector pulse can be regulated with a flow control screw. All control and display components are located in the front panel. High priority has also been given to ease of maintenance of the vacuum generator with the integrated filter effortlessly purifying process air. An inspection window is included in the front panel for monitoring and for timely indication of maintenance. The vacuum generator is thus nearly maintenance-free, Festo said.